The Independence Palace
The Independence Palace
4
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsGovernment Buildings
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
“From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868-1966” explores the century-long history of the building that once served as the seat of the French colonial government in Cochinchina. In 1954, this building was renamed Independence Palace. It subsequently witnessed many dramatic episodes in the rise and decline of the government of Ngo Dinh Diem, the founding leader of the Republic of Vietnam
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
10,410 reviews
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3,219
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4,319
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2,362
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Dickson90
Singapore, Singapore366 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
The Independence Palace is probably one of the places in Ho Chi Minh City that should be visited, along with the other nearby attractions in District 1. As the historical location where the Vietnam War ended on 30 April 1975 with a North Vietnamese tank crashing down the gates of the palace, it has to be seen in person to have a feel of how it must have been like during the last days of the Vietnam War.
Many of the numerous function rooms in the building seem to have been kept in good condition, as if it was still frozen in time in 1975. The balcony and the rooftops are a good places for photos and to catch a wide view of the boulevards leading to the Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Post Office. It is a huge building so one would need about an hour or two to see it all.
There is a souvenir shop at the middle of the rooftop, as well as another one at the basement if one wants to purchase some souvenir items home. It may get a little crowded during the weekends as sometimes the palace grounds are a popular place for students to take their graduation photos.
Current admission price as of July 2024 is 65k VND for 1 adult ticket.
Many of the numerous function rooms in the building seem to have been kept in good condition, as if it was still frozen in time in 1975. The balcony and the rooftops are a good places for photos and to catch a wide view of the boulevards leading to the Notre Dame Cathedral & Saigon Post Office. It is a huge building so one would need about an hour or two to see it all.
There is a souvenir shop at the middle of the rooftop, as well as another one at the basement if one wants to purchase some souvenir items home. It may get a little crowded during the weekends as sometimes the palace grounds are a popular place for students to take their graduation photos.
Current admission price as of July 2024 is 65k VND for 1 adult ticket.
Written July 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jpcheshire1615
Wilmslow, UK602 contributions
Mar 2025 • Couples
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was built in the 1960s to replace a damaged French colonial building in the same location. It is one of the most beautiful buildings of that period that I have seen and is well worth a visit on that account alone.
It remained an administration building until the capital of the reuinted country was moved to Hanoi in 1976 and is now a museum and major tourist attraction.. There is a lot to see from state banqueting rooms to underground bunkers. Information labels are in English.
We visited the Independence Palace as part of a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (morning) and several sights in the city (in the afternoon) and felt we were a little rushed. We would have preferred to spend more time in the palace so that we could read the information about what we were seeing at a more leisurely pace.
It remained an administration building until the capital of the reuinted country was moved to Hanoi in 1976 and is now a museum and major tourist attraction.. There is a lot to see from state banqueting rooms to underground bunkers. Information labels are in English.
We visited the Independence Palace as part of a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (morning) and several sights in the city (in the afternoon) and felt we were a little rushed. We would have preferred to spend more time in the palace so that we could read the information about what we were seeing at a more leisurely pace.
Written March 21, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah
Thailand55 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
DINH DOC LAP - INDEPENDENCE PALACE
The first day I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I went to Dinh Doc Lap to visit because it is a place to store sacred cultural and historical values. I like Vietnamese culture and history. If you have the opportunity to come to Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend you go to Dinh Doc Lap to visit and experience the historical culture here!!!
The first day I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, I went to Dinh Doc Lap to visit because it is a place to store sacred cultural and historical values. I like Vietnamese culture and history. If you have the opportunity to come to Ho Chi Minh City, I recommend you go to Dinh Doc Lap to visit and experience the historical culture here!!!
Written November 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norman L
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
It is interesting to observe the architecture which was considered modern and entirely new era in buildings facade in the 1950s and 60s.
Definitely being transported back to 1960s. The building is very well restored.
Recommended for history buffs and those with interest in 1950s / 60sarchitecture
Definitely being transported back to 1960s. The building is very well restored.
Recommended for history buffs and those with interest in 1950s / 60sarchitecture
Written March 7, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolie
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam74 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
This iconic site offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich history with its 1960s architecture and beautifully preserved rooms that feel like stepping back in time. The basement, with its war rooms and vintage communication equipment, is particularly fascinating.
However, skip the 30/4 Coffee Shop inside the palace. It’s not quite worth becuz of expensive drinks – you’re better off bringing your own water and enjoying the palace grounds instead!
However, skip the 30/4 Coffee Shop inside the palace. It’s not quite worth becuz of expensive drinks – you’re better off bringing your own water and enjoying the palace grounds instead!
Written August 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan T
101 contributions
Mar 2025 • Family
Definitely worth a visit. Set aside a couple of hours to do visit and exhibition (you pay extra but very informative).
Large grounds with plenty of reasonably priced drinks and eats - takes lots of water as very humid certainly in March.
Four floors plus basement with bunker. Was designated disabled lift albeit lots of visitors using it. Get onto the roof via the projection room - good views.
Large grounds with plenty of reasonably priced drinks and eats - takes lots of water as very humid certainly in March.
Four floors plus basement with bunker. Was designated disabled lift albeit lots of visitors using it. Get onto the roof via the projection room - good views.
Written March 13, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,461 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
The Independence Hall was built in the 1960s to be the presidential palace for the president of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). It was the scene of the iconic fall of South Vietnam on 30 April 1975, with the crashing of the gate by a North Vietnamese tank. Today, the palace is a museum, preserving much of the building as it was in 1975, including the reception halls, personal residence rooms, security and battlefield management facilities, underground bunkers, and helicopter pad. For history buffs, the museum is a must. Entrance fee is 65,000 VND for adults.
Written January 19, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen K
Oakland, CA14 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
I like history, so enjoyed seeing the inside of this building and reading about its usage towards the end of the war with the America. It only takes about an hour to go through it, and placards are in English, as well as Vietnamese.
If I only had one day in Saigon, this would not have been at the top of my list, but if you have a second or third day, it’s worth it.
If I only had one day in Saigon, this would not have been at the top of my list, but if you have a second or third day, it’s worth it.
Written October 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MangoMoore
Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan135 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Even on a local sightseeing tour, it is a place where you just have to ask for an explanation at the entrance and take a picture, but I had time to go inside for a walk. I'm glad I went because I could see enough in about an hour. We recommend that you borrow the audio Guide 90000vnd. I was able to get an idea of what it was like at the time that I couldn't understand just by looking around the room. It was quite interesting to see the mahjong table in the playroom.
Automatically translated
Written August 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D S K
25 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
It’s a must visit place if you are a tourist and in Ho Chi Minh. At the gates, the ticket counter is on the left. A similar structure is on the left too. Once inside you have three floors to visit. One can take lift instead of stairs if climbing is an issue. Most rooms contain sofas and other objects used than for official purposes. They are not so intricate or grand but the history surrounding the place is. Well preserved and cared for. Worth the visit
Written December 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know if this will remain open? We have heard as part of the Coronavirus that public places will close. Is this one, or is it more like bars and restaurants?
Written March 15, 2020
Dear Peter B,
Following the period of temporary closure in accordance with the instruction of the Government on response to the Covid-19 epidemic. Independence Palace is open to visitors from 27 April, 2020.
Hours of ticket: From 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Hours of visiting: From 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
We hope to see you.
Written May 14, 2020
Has anyone visited the independence Palace during tet holiday? Is it open? Busy? What was the entrance fee?
Thank you so much in advance! X
Written January 27, 2020
Not expensive, two types of ticket. One to grounds and one to building and exhibitions
Written January 27, 2020
do they have any dress codes to enter the palace ?
Written December 29, 2019
No I am not aware of any. Probably no flip flops or too casual beachwear. It is a beautiful building so you want to look good yourself.
Written December 29, 2019
Do you need a ticket to visit the grounds only?
Written December 13, 2018
Yes there is a ticket office at the entrance. It’s only 40k VNd to see palace (about £1.40) definitely worth the money
Written December 13, 2018
I’m traveling with backpack. Do they allow visitors to bring backpack inside? Or they have a place to store the backpack while you visit the place?
Written February 10, 2018
Hand bags are allowed in but not back packs but there is a place to store them. For more detail re size of bags allowed in try their website or the tourist office.
Written February 10, 2018
How much is the ticket of The Independence Palace?
Written February 16, 2017
The cost of the ticket for the Palace tour is approximately $1-$1.50US
Written February 17, 2017
There are certainly elevators inside the building and the building is generally very spacious. The only floor that the elevators don't go to is the rooftop terrace. That's where the bar and small shop are. I'm pretty sure that you can avoid the steps at the front entrance and use the ramps on either side. During our visit we did not see anyone using a wheelchair.
Written February 10, 2017
Hi, I was just wondering if I can view this palace without being on a tour?
Written December 20, 2016
You can buy entrance tickets. The office is to the left of the main gate.
Written February 10, 2017
Hi is it worth a look round the outside of renunification hall at night
Written December 9, 2016
When I went there was a festival in the park across the street from there. Lots of lights, food and musical performances. So I guess it depends on when you go if anything is going on around the palace.
Written December 10, 2016
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